Winter Wonderland

Upper Peninsula ~Marquette, MI ~ February 19-22, 2009
There is something about traveling north that just makes you want to lose yourself in nature. Could it be the quiet stillness, the stunning views or of how life just seems more relaxed? When Brian and I cross the big bridge it is a feeling that cannot be explained by words. Winter in the UP, while equally beautiful, can sometimes prove to be a bit challenging. Some call it unending. Storms seem to blow in without warning, leaving inches and sometimes feet of snow. Brian and I were able to experience some of this first during our stay.

As much as I love the UP, I dread crossing the Mackinac Bridge. It scares me, makes my palms sweaty and my armpits tingle. The heights, the wind and the grates. Normally, I close my eyes, hum to myself and wait to hear the voice of the toll booth operator collecting our fare. This time however, I thought I would try something new. So out popped my camera and I started clicking away.






Soon after crossing the bridge and starting onto US-2 we quickly found out just how fast changing the weather could be.


Friday, Brian and I awoke to a gorgeous sunrise and agreed to take advantage of the beautiful day. Kaytee, our friend and host, had put together a list of possible ideas while in Marquette. We decided to check out Black River Falls on our snowshoes. Only a five minute outside of town, these falls prove amazing. A well worn trail through the woods leads to an opening in the trees where the falls and the river flows. We decided to keep heading up river to see what else we could find; and boy was it ever worth it. Waterfalls after waterfalls make up this section of the river. The refreshing sound of falling water proved "some good therapy" for the day.
















We even saw some animals along the way.




Next stop, Sugarloaf. The hike up Sugarloaf itself is fairly short and easy, well worth experincing while in Marquette. Sugarloaf provides incredible spectacular views of Marquette and Lake Superior. Many patches of flat rock are provide an excellent sitting spot to just enjoy the view. We could have spent all day up there.










Cheese ;)


Friday night, was the start of the UP 200. This 240 mile sled dog race begins and ends in Marquette. We headed downtown to participate in the action. Family and friends alike, young and old gathered around Washington Street waiting for the races to start. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, cheers and stories of past races. Seeing the mushers prepare their dogs and sleds, made me wonder what was going through their minds. The dogs yipped with aniticipation. This was a celebration I was truly proud to have been part of.















Sunday morning we left Marquette to sun. We turned onto M28 and ran into blizzard conditions soon thereafter. We slowed down to about 5 mph and crept along using the snowbanks as a guide. Thankfully, we arrived in Munising safely. We learned, soon after we made it through, they shut M28 down. It remained closed for much of that day.

Watkins Family

This past weekend I met the Watkins family downtown for their session. Celene's husband leaves for overseas next month and this made for a special session :) We started the day at the Museum and then headed outside. You guys were a complete joy! Enjoy! :)

Playing in the Powder

Crystal Mountain take II
This past Saturday Brian and I headed back up to Crystal Mountain for another day of skiing. We stopped for breakfast at this little mom and pop resturant. Yums! :) Apparently, word was spreading because there were only a few empty tables to choose from. I must admit, I was on pancake overload when we left and Brian found me napping the rest of the way to the Mountain (I am a horrible passenger).





While the conditions were overcast with occasional snow showers, the day was still totally worth it; Crystal Mountain had received fresh powder the night before. Cabin fever must be setting in for some people, because the Mountain was pretty busy. One thing that mesmerizes both Brian and I are all of the little kiddos on skis and just how good they are. Totally jealous! Mom and dad must seriously strap on the skis as soon as walking age approaches.





While there were no broken bones had that day, Brian and I each took our turn at a tumble. And since I am the one telling the story...it can go anyway I want...hmmm. Just kidding ;) no lies here. Mine was first; and while I wish it was impressive and daring, it's not. You may actually let out a small giggle, I did. One sentence sums it up; I was to big for my britches. See last time we skied I took the safe road; and with my bad knee, it should probably be the only road I ever take. However, this Saturday I convinced myself (thanks to the winter X games) that I needed go a little bigger. So I started taking paths that were carved through the trees. Not so bad. Then I tried a couple moguls. Still not so bad. Then, I decided to combine the two; eh, not so good. The path jetted out from the trees, dropped down a few feet and then curved hard to the right. What I failed to notice was the little mound of snow waiting for me at the bottom of the drop. That little mound threw off my balance and made curving to the right...well lets face it...I didn't exactly end up curving to the right. Down I went. My skis never popped off so there I was face down in the snow and legs tangled together. Yeah, kinda embarrassing. Brian's tumble, in his words "outscored mine". We were headed down one of the back hills and he was getting the whole "swish swish" things down with his skis; he was going at a pretty good clip. A fellow skier, who was following to close in my mind, clipped the back half of his skis sending him spiraling down into the snow. Total wipeout. He lost his skis, his poles, his hat and his goggles. And of course, up he pops, like nothing ever happened.

Tumbling aside, the day proved to be another amazing day on the slopes. Just like before, the sun popped out a bit before dusk; creating beautiful views atop the chairlift. It was a great day to spend in northern Michigan.

Living in the Moment

Crystal Mountain ~ Thompsonville, Michigan
This past Saturday Brian and I headed north, up to Thompsonville, for a refreshing day of skiing. It is about a two hour drive for us that takes you on old M-37 through Baldwin. The drive itself has some beautiful views with calm, quiet roads and besides you are headed north (what better direction); totally worth it!

My resort of choice has always been Crystal Mountain. Back in school, three of my good friends and I would find ourselves up at Crystal Mountain every winter. However, six years ago, I found myself at the recieving end of a bad car accident. Since then my body has still (yes STILL) been healing. Skiing was something that had been taken away from me and I was longing to again regain control; to try and get some of what I had missed, back. It had been my hobby, my sport.

And did it feel great! Brian had never been skiing before and it was fun to be able to share and teach something with him that I loved so much. The weather was gorgeous; the sun peaked out about three hours before dusk, which made for the most beautiful sunset! The views atop the chair lift were breathtaking. The moon illuminated the trails and woods and the stars shown bright. Brian and I had the day all to ourselves. No cellphones, emails, work or distractions. The mountain felt like ours. We laughed, we joked, we shared stories; things that were long past due with how crazy our lives have been. It felt great to be out together in the winter air, enjoying the season and the beauty of nature.

I only brought along my pocket point and shoot which froze within a few hours of being out in the cold air. :( I was very disappointed to have not had my Nikon to capture our day; but I had to be practical. I did snag this shot before heading out on the mountain.